Do’s and Don’ts of Preventive Auto Care in Fresno

Let's Talk Preventive Maintenance

No matter what type of vehicle you drive, routine maintenance is one of the most important ways to minimize the chance of mechanical breakdown. Additionally, routine maintenance plays a key role in maintaining your vehicle's performance and fuel economy.

At Goodguys Tire & Auto Repair, we serve drivers in Fresno, CA, by providing quality and affordable preventative auto maintenance services. We offer a team of certified mechanics, and we use quality replacement parts and fluids to make sure your vehicle always performs its best. We're also here if you need auto repairs in the Fresno-Visalia area! 

Vital Preventative Maintenance Services 

We get a lot of questions about preventative maintenance. In fact, aside from an oil change service, some drivers are left scratching their heads at what car maintenance services their vehicle may need over time. We've compiled this fast and easy car maintenance checklist to help you get a better understanding of your vehicle's needs. 

If you’d like an exact guide of what maintenance services your vehicle needs as it ages, we recommend that you refer to your owner's manual. 

Oil Change in Fresno

Of all the maintenance services you can perform on your vehicle, an oil change is the most important — it's also the service that you'll perform most often. Engine oil is continuously circulated around the moving parts of your engine and works to minimize friction while keeping your engine cool. While your oil is great at its job, over time, it begins to lose its protective properties.

Failing to change your oil in a timely manner can result in permanent engine damage and even total engine failure. 

If your engine uses a synthetic blend oil, we recommend that you change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If your engine uses full synthetic oil, we recommend changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

Coolant 

Your coolant is responsible for keeping your engine temperature under control; in the summer, it prevents your engine from overheating while also preventing your system from freezing over in the winter. 

Although your coolant does not experience the same extremes as your oil, it still needs to be changed roughly every three years or every 36,000 miles. Additionally, we recommend that you routinely perform a visual inspection of your coolant reservoir to make sure you have enough coolant — especially in the summer months. Failure to keep up with coolant inspections can result in your engine being vulnerable to rust and corrosion. 

Car Battery 

Your car battery is responsible for powering all your vehicle's electronics and providing the power to start your vehicle. While your vehicle's alternator works to keep your car battery charged, most car batteries last an average of three years before they become too weak to start your engine.

When your car battery is on its last legs, you may notice your headlights are dim, your car cranks slowly, or your vehicle's internal clock is slow no matter how many times you set it. These are a few telltale signs your battery doesn't have much power left. Do not avoid these signs, or it could leave you stranded on the road. 

At Goodguys Tire & Auto Repair, our experts can perform a car battery health test to determine the strength of your battery and give our best advice on when it should be changed. If our certified mechanics find that your battery needs to be replaced, don't worry! We’ll install a quality car battery that meets the needs of your vehicle.

Brakes 

Ensuring that your vehicle maintains its optimal stopping power is vital for everyday safety. The average disc brake system uses a series of high-friction brake pads that clamp against a rotor when you hit your brake pedal to provide stopping power.

Over time, these high friction pads wear thin, as do your rotors, and both components will eventually need to be replaced. Not every vehicle will tell you when your brake pads are wearing thin, so it's important to recognize the signs when it's time to bring your vehicle in for brake service. 

Do not delay auto maintenance if you notice the following signs that your brakes may need service:

• Squeaking, squealing, or grinding when you press the brake pedal
• Vibrations when you press the brake pedal
• Your vehicle veering to one side when you press the brakes
• Extended stopping distances

If your vehicle is showing signs that it's time for brake service, contact our Fresno auto repair shop today and allow us to provide high-quality brake services for your vehicle!

Tires 

Every input that you make behind the wheel, whether steering, braking, or accelerating, is translated through your tires. Because your tires are such a vital part of safe driving, it's important that they’re always in their best shape.

To keep your tires in their best shape, we recommend that you keep them properly inflated and rotated every 10,000 miles. You should also ensure that you have sufficient tread for safe driving. 

You can find the recommended PSI for your tires on your driver's door sill, and you can determine whether or not you have enough tread on your tires by performing the Penny Test. 

Not familiar with the penny test? No problem! Simply take a penny and stick it in the tread of your tires with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tire tread is considered unsafe, and we recommend a tire replacement.

If you find that you need tire replacement, you’ve come to the right place. We carry all the major brands and can help you find the perfect set of tires for your driving needs and your budget.

Schedule an Auto Repair Service in Fresno Today

Preventative maintenance is key to enjoying many years of trouble-free service from your vehicle. Here at Goodguys Tire & Auto Repair in Fresno, CA, we make sure that preventive auto maintenance is convenient but that is also affordable. In addition to our competitive prices, we offer money-saving service coupons to ensure that servicing your vehicle never breaks the bank.